What Is 1924 Wisconsin Badgers football team

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Last updated: April 14, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1924 Wisconsin Badgers football team represented the University of Wisconsin in the 1924 college football season, finishing with a 4–3–1 record under head coach George Little. They competed in the Big Ten Conference and played their home games at Camp Randall Stadium.

Key Facts

The 1924 Wisconsin Badgers finished the season with a 4–3–1 overall record.
Head coach George Little led the team in his second and final season before leaving for Michigan.
The Badgers played in the Big Ten Conference, finishing with a 1–3 conference record.
Home games were held at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
Notable results included a 13–0 win over Minnesota and a 7–7 tie with Iowa.

Overview

The 1924 Wisconsin Badgers football team represented the University of Wisconsin–Madison during the 1924 college football season. Competing in the Big Ten Conference, the team was led by head coach George Little, who was in his second and final year at the helm before departing for a coaching role at the University of Michigan.

The season reflected a mix of competitive performances and close finishes, culminating in an overall record of 4–3–1. Despite a winning non-conference slate, the Badgers struggled in Big Ten play, securing only one conference victory. Their home games were played at the historic Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin, a venue that has hosted Wisconsin football since 1895.

Overall Record: The team finished with a 4–3–1 win-loss-tie record, showing moderate success across the season.
Head Coach:George Little coached the Badgers from 1922 to 1924, compiling a 16–8–3 record before moving to Michigan.
Conference Record: In Big Ten play, Wisconsin went 1–3, with their sole win coming against Minnesota.
Home Venue: All home games were held at Camp Randall Stadium, which had a seating capacity of approximately 14,000 at the time.
Notable Game: A 7–7 tie with Iowa was one of the season's most controversial outcomes due to disputed officiating.

Season Highlights

The 1924 campaign featured several memorable matchups and pivotal moments that shaped the team’s legacy. While not a dominant force in the conference, the Badgers demonstrated resilience and competitive spirit throughout the season.

September 27 vs. Beloit: Wisconsin opened the season with a decisive 21–0 victory, showcasing strong defensive performance.
October 4 vs. Chicago: The Badgers lost 14–0 to the Maroons, marking their first Big Ten defeat of the season.
October 11 vs. Minnesota: A key 13–0 win over the Golden Gophers stood as their only conference victory.
October 25 vs. Iowa: The 7–7 tie with the Hawkeyes sparked debate over missed calls and potential scoring opportunities.
November 8 vs. Michigan: Wisconsin fell 6–0 to the Wolverines, a team coached by former Badger mentor George Little.
November 15 vs. Northwestern: The Badgers secured a 14–7 win, improving their non-conference record.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1924 Wisconsin Badgers to previous and subsequent seasons highlights trends in performance, coaching transitions, and program development.

Season	Overall Record	Big Ten Record	Head Coach	Key Result
1922	4–3–1	2–3	George Little	First season under Little
1923	4–3–1	2–3	George Little	Beat Minnesota 10–7
1924	4–3–1	1–3	George Little	Tied Iowa 7–7
1925	5–3	3–3	Glenn Thistlethwaite	New coach, improved record
1926	5–3–1	3–3	Glenn Thistlethwaite	Defeated Minnesota 13–7

The 1924 season mirrored the 1922 and 1923 campaigns in overall record but showed a decline in conference performance. The departure of George Little after the season marked a turning point, as Wisconsin hired Glenn Thistlethwaite in 1925, who gradually improved the team’s consistency. The three consecutive 4–3–1 seasons from 1922 to 1924 reflect a period of stability without breakthrough success.

Why It Matters

The 1924 Wisconsin Badgers season is significant for understanding the evolution of the football program during the early 20th century. It captures a transitional era marked by coaching changes and competitive challenges within the Big Ten.

Coaching Legacy:George Little left a mixed legacy, compiling a 16–8–3 record but failing to elevate the team to elite status.
Program Development: The consistent 4–3–1 records from 1922–1924 highlighted the need for structural improvements in recruiting and training.
Conference Competitiveness: The 1–3 Big Ten record in 1924 underscored Wisconsin’s struggle against top-tier conference opponents.
Historical Context: The season occurred during the rise of college football as a national spectacle, with growing media coverage and fan interest.
Stadium Evolution: Camp Randall was expanded in later years, but in 1924, it remained a modest but iconic venue.
Transition Year: 1924 served as a bridge between Little’s tenure and the more successful Thistlethwaite era that followed.

In summary, while the 1924 Wisconsin Badgers did not achieve national prominence, their season provides valuable insight into the program’s mid-tier status in the 1920s and the foundation for future growth. The team’s performance, coaching changes, and competitive context all contribute to a deeper understanding of early Big Ten football history.